Ship's Log, April 20: 'Even every winner hits a losing streak'

Dave Clark -

Did you know that one of the greatest artists of all time released their latest album this week? Of course you did.

Pearl Jam's Dark Matter came out Friday with a special edition available as part of Record Store Day. An accomplished lyricist connected to Seattle forever, Eddie Vedder's latest set of poetry contains some stanzas that remind you of Puget Sound and our frequently failing sports teams.

'Wreckage' speaks to every winner having a losing streak – a territory the Seattle Sounders tread too often. There are mentions of dark days and rains and the sun about to peek out as our early springs transition to the summers that fill postcards.

In 'Something Special' he speaks to the potential greatness and learning from failure.

'every setback now but a chance to grow'

It's an album that is deep, dark. At the same time it's hopeful. It returns to what Pearl Jam were at their best, while stepping forward into their more mature life.

The Seattle Sounders need to heed that same call – a return to what was core while stepping forward. They need to be special, not wreckage.

We all see the potential. The reasons for hope and dreams are real. As are the steps towards failure as they run on a treadmill to nowhere, about to enter their next phase.

Have they broken the habit of excellence?

We'll know for certain by the end of May, with its two-trophy gauntlet jammed with midweek games.

Saturday night, celebrating rock fan Marcus Hahnemann, in the light sprinkles of rain the Seattle Sounders celebrate the pods of orcas, 50 years and the mild-rivalry with the Vancouver Whitecaps.

That's all great history.

But what's tomorrow's history? Is it Wreckage or Something Special?

– Dave Clark

Catching up on Sounder at Heart

Missed the week's Puget Sound soccer news? Here are our latest stories and our pro teams' schedules

Sounders | 1-3-3, +2 in 12th

Previewing Saturday night's home match against the Vancouver Whitecaps (7:39 p.m. PDT on MLS Season Pass)

Other stories:

Reign | 1-3-0, -2 in 12th

On Sunday Seattle host Chicago Red Stars at Lumen Field (3 p.m. PDT on NWSL+, KONG, KING+)

Defiance | 3-2-0, +4 in 5th

On Sunday Defiance host Whitecaps 2 at Starfire (7 p.m. PDT on MLS Season Pass)

Velocity | 2-2-1, -1 in 5th

Spokane lost to the Las Vegas Lights on the road in the US Open Cup on Wednesday. Saturday they face Richmond Kickers, who are coached by former Sounder Darren Sawatzky. The 3 p.m. PDT is on ESPN+ and on SWX in Spokane.

Purchasing the new jersey or planning to get MLS Season Pass? Use our affiliate links to toss some coin to your bloggers.

Looking back at the news

Everything else you need to know, headlines only edition.

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